Pakistan tour worries Kiwis

NOTTINGHAM: New Zealand all-rounder Jacob Oram admits the coming
cricket tour of Pakistan is looming as a "massive issue" as players
weigh up whether to go or stay.

While Oram was tight-lipped about a report on Sunday that some
senior players were uncomfortable with the three-match one-day tour
of Pakistan in late August, which precedes the Champions Trophy
limited-overs tournament there, he confirmed the issue was raised
at a recent team meeting.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) responded by saying players would be
given an opportunity to miss the tour without any impact on their
contractual status, or implications for future selection.

"It's a massive issue for players and everyone concerned. It's
still a while away, nothing in my head's been made up either way,"
Oram said on the eve of the third Test against England.

" … I'll really have to sit down with my wife and family
and make decisions."

Australia cancelled their scheduled tour earlier this year amid
outbreaks of violence in Pakistan.